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Sweden last qualified for the World Cup in 2006, the year Italy last won the tournamentFour time champions Italy failed to reach the World Cup for the first time since 1958 after a play off defeat against Sweden.

It means the Azzurri will not be present in the competition for only the second time in their history having declined to play at the inaugural tournament in 1930.

Midfielder Jakob Johansson's deflected strike in the first leg was the difference as the second leg at Milan's San Siro stadium ended goalless.

Striker Ciro Immobile missed a number of chances and his low effort in the first half was cleared off the line by centre back Andreas Granqvist.

The result sees Jan Andersson's Sweden side reach the World Cup for the first time since 2006, when they were in the same group as England.

Watch Italy's iconic World Cup momentsWhich teams have qualified for Russia?What you need to know about play offsHow the match unfoldedSweden reduce Italy to tears

Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport's headlineWhile Italy dominated the second leg and had 20 shots at goal, their exertions radiated a growing sense of desperation.

Giampiero Ventura's side were unable to carve open a resolute Swedish defence which sat deep and often had a line of six defenders camped in their box, heading away each cross and set piece into the box.

In all, the Swedes made a total of 56 clearances between them, plus 19 interceptions.

Both sides could have been awarded penalties: first Ludwig Augustinsson brought down Marco Parolo with a clumsy challenge while Manchester United's Matteo cheap nfl jerseys Darmian and Juventus veteran Andrea Barzagli were fortunate to escape with handballs for Italy.

Lazio striker Immobile, who has 14 club goals this season, hit the side netting from a tight angle early on and struck a first time shot wide from close range in the second half.

At the other end, Sweden keeper Olsen saved well from midfielders Jorginho and Alessandro Florenzi, who also clipped an acrobatic volley narrowly wide.

Many of the Italy players fell to the ground at the full time whistle, with strikers Andrea Belotti and Immobile reduced to tears, as the Swedes ran off to enthusiastically celebrate their qualification for next summer's tournament in Russia.

End of an era as Buffon bows out

Did cheap nfl jerseys goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon and coach Gianpiero Ventura feature in their last Italy game together?Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport described the loss as akin to the "apocalypse" in their headline for the match report.